You're looking for the perfect family holiday. A holiday packed with fun activities, interesting places to visit, plenty of excitement for the children as well as opportunities for the grown-ups to relax and unwind too. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Well, imagine being surrounded by beautiful mature woodland, immersed in nature. There's space nearby for the children to enjoy riding their bikes, or playing football. Bring the dog too, if you like. You've a private deck to sit out on - the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning sun, or star-gazing by night. Your accommodation is comfortably furnished, with a cosy log burner and well-equipped kitchen.
Within easy reach you'll find picturesque towns like Whitby, with it's fantastic sandy beach. The North York Moors is a 500 square mile adventure playground, packed with wonderful places to visit. For the thrill-seekers, watersports of various kinds are available nearby, as well as horse riding, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Food & drink your thing? North Yorkshire's got it all.
In this post we'll guide you through some of the reasons we believe a woodland lodge holiday is the perfect family getaway. You'll also discover why this area of the country is so special - there's nowhere like the North York Moors.
1. Why Choose a Woodland Lodge for Your Family Holiday?
Being surrounded by nature makes for a wonderfully relaxing break. Switch off and un-plug. Both grown-ups and children are impacted by the stresses of modern life. Our busy schedules can easily get on top of us. Making time to spend in nature is the perfect antidote.
Yes, we've got free WIFI across the park. But no, you're not obliged to use it! A lot of people are choosing a 'digital detox' as a way of purposefully disconnecting from the busyness of life. A holiday at Ladycross, immersed in nature, is the perfect place to go 'off grid' for a few days.
Our lodges are spacious. Generous open plan living space ensures the whole family can spend time together. Comfortably furnished bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms provide space to spread out and enjoy some alone time too.
We've worked hard to create a park which promotes peace and privacy. Our 'freedom field' is beyond the trees, keeping ball games and bikes well away from your accommodation. At the same time, our lodges are carefully positioned and spaced well apart.
Guests can enjoy walking 2 miles of nature trails, all without leaving our 95 acre site. Our family has grown up at Ladycross. We've always had safety and child-friendliness in mind when developing the park.
2. Family Activities and Attractions Around Whitby and the North York Moors
When it comes to family-friendly activities, the North York Moors really does offer something for everyone. From our doorstep, visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the footpaths and trails. Egton is in the Esk Valley, which follows the route of the River Esk from its source near Middlesbrough to Whitby. The Esk Valley Walk follows the river, and is a wonderful route to enjoy in either direction.
Mountain biking and road cycling are also popular activities with visitors. At nearby Dalby Forest you'll find some of the UK's best mountain bike trails. There are routes for all ages and abilities, from tiny toddlers on strider bikes to competent adults tackling red and black routes! If you're not into cycling then perhaps Go Ape! is more your thing - also at Dalby.
Being near the coast, water sports are also popular activities with our guests. Whitby Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire throughout the summer season. Why not book a family surf or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) lesson? Just up the road we've got Scaling Dam, where guests can learn to sail in dinghies. Or, if you just fancy messing about on the river, Ruswarp Pleasure Boats is the place to go. Enjoy an hour's rowing on the Esk, immersed in nature.
For the wildlife fans there's plenty to see and do nearby. Ladycross is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Mammals such as badgers, foxes and deer are regularly seen by our guests. Birds of prey including owls and buzzards can also be seen. You can find out more about the wildlife of the North York Moors by visiting one of their visitor centres:
Take a boat trip out of Whitby harbour and you might be fortunate enough to spot seals, dolphins and even whales! Fishing trips from Whitby can also be enjoyed.
For younger children nothing beats the beach! And we've plenty to choose from. Here are out top picks:
- Whitby - 2 miles of sandy beach stretching north to Sandsend
- Robin Hood's Bay - with rocky scars, rock pools and sand, you'll have hours of fun
- Runswick Bay - nestled in a beautiful bay, it's like nowhere else
Other child friendly attractions include Scarborough Sea Life Centre, Whitby Abbey and Eden Camp Museum. A ride on the North York Moors Steam Railway makes for an unforgettable experience. Danby Lodge Moors Centre has a fantastic adventure playground, as does Dalby Forest.
3. The Perfect Lodge for Families
Our lodges are designed for families. Each features a spacious living, kitchen and dining area. This open plan space is perfect for spending time together. Our lodges sleep either 4 or 6, in comfortable double or twin bedrooms.
Child-friendly amenities such as cots and high chairs are available, and guests are welcome to bring their own for convenience. Our 2 bedroom lodges are single-storey, making them the perfect choice for families with very young children.
Outside you'll find your very own deck. Sit out and enjoy the morning sunshine before heading out for the day. Or curl up under a blanket by night and enjoy the sparkling stars. There's very little light pollution at Ladycross, so we enjoy some wonderful night skies! There's room for one car outside each lodge, so you can pull right up to the door to unpack, or after a busy day out and about.
Some of our lodges are pet friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend too.
4. The Best Time to Visit North Yorkshire
There's no bad time to visit the North York Moors. Here are our top tips for things to do by season, including various seasonal events which happen each year.
Spring
The weather is beginning to warm up. Spring flowers are appearing from the undergrowth and new-born lambs are leaping about in the fields. What's not to love! From March to May, Whitby and the North York Moors comes alive. Easter weekend is always busy, with the school holidays.
Come prepared for all weathers. At this time of year it's possible to experience all four seasons in a single day! Early in the season and you might catch the daffodils at Farndale. This amazing floral display is definitely worth a visit, and there are plenty of nice walks to be enjoyed in the nearby countryside.
Whitby is bustling, with independent shops and cafes gearing up for the season. Enjoy some delicious fish & chips and a stroll along the pier, or the beach. And head up to visit the Abbey, and Whitby Brewery while you're there. Whitby's spring Goth weekend is always a spectacle too, if that's your cup of tea.
Use your woodland lodge as a base to get out and about, enjoying the sights and sounds of the North York Moors.
Summer
From June to August, the North York Moors is buzzing with activity. Check out the programme of events and exhibitions held at Danby Lodge Moors Centre. They have a great cafe, and with the woodland activity area and adventure playground it makes a great base for a day out.
The beach is a must on a warm sunny day. Pack your buckets and spades, swimming costumes, towels and a picnic and head to the sea. Please pay attention to the parking restrictions and use the pay and display parking where available. Whitby's Park & Ride runs throughout the year, so this can be a good option for getting into town, including the beach. Runswick, Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay are all popular destinations, so best to set out early and plan to make a day of it. Don't forget the sun cream.
You'll find a fun-packed programme of events running at the various local English Heritage properties. These include Whitby Abbey, Scarborough Castle, Pickering Castle, Kirkham Priory and Rievaulx Abbey. Step back in time and immerse yourself in some living history.
In Whitby visitors can enjoy Regatta Weekend and Folk Week, annual events loved by locals and visitors alike.
Our top tip is to head out of town. Perhaps to May Beck and Falling Foss, or Ravenscar Moor above Robin Hood's Bay. Take your book, your biconulars, some lunch (or means of aquiring some) and find yourself a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine.
Autumn
As the busyness of the summer subsides, a slower more relaxed atmosphere takes its place. With most family holidays confined to the school holidays, September to November is a great time for older couples, or families with grown-up children to visit the Yorkshire coast.
Make the most of the (mostly) fine weather with some bracing walks along the cliff tops or through nearby woodland. Take your pick of the best restaurants, and enjoy a pint in the afternoon sunshine at a local pub. Why not book a local history tour with Whitby Storyteller? Rose has been enchanting visitors with her tales of myth and legend for years, as well as bringing to life the rich history of the town.
Musicport World Music Festival is the highlight of Whitby's autumn cultural calendar. It's an amazing event, bringing together musicians from around the globe over the 3 days at Whitby Spa Pavilion. October also sees the autumn Goth weekend, coinciding with Halloween at the end of the month.
In 2025, Whitby will host its very first Lit Festival. More details are yet to be announced, but the date has been set for 6th - 9th November. If books, writing and the spoken word are you thing then you won't want to miss it.
Winter
Winter brings its own special atmosphere to the North York Moors. A quiet peace descends, with frost and occasional snow making the landscape sparkle and glisten in the sunshine.
A crisp walk through the morning air gets any winter day off to a magical start. Then, curl up with a good book in your woodland lodge and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park. Or perhaps better still, find a roaring fire in a local pub, treat yourselves to a delicious meal and while away the afternoon.
While there are fewer visitors around at this time of year, Whitby is still a hub of activity. You'll find plenty of wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy, perhaps at a more leisurely pace than at other times.
Windswept cliff top walks offer wonderful views over the sea and the beaches below. But make sure you wrap up warm - it can get very cold, with Whitby's coastline facing almost due north.
Nearby you'll find some amazing festive attractions, such as Christmas at Castle Howard. This family-friendly Christmas experience is something the whole family can enjoy, at one of the UK's most amazing country homes.
5. Why Egton and Whitby Are Perfect for Family Holidays
Here are 5 reasons why Egton, Whitby and the North York Moors makes for the best family-friendly holiday destination:
- Quiet and Peaceful Village Atmosphere
Egton is a small village, with a selection of pubs serving food, access to the River Esk and the North York Moors Steam Railway. Children can enjoy our 'freedom field', or head down the road into the village where there's a play park and cricket pitch. - North Yorkshire's Best Seaside Town
Whitby is often voted on the UK's top holiday destinations, and regularly makes the top of the list when it comes to Yorkshire's seaside towns. It's bustling and busy, but small enough to walk everywhere. Full of independent shops and cafes it's not only great for sightseeing, but shopping and food & drink too. - Easy Access
We're perfectly located for easy access to so many of North Yorkshire's top attractions. 10 minutes from Whitby, 30 minutes from Pickering & Dalby Forest and around an hour to York. Your woodland lodge makes the perfect base from which to explore the North York Moors. - Local Food & Drink
Whether you're interested in trying local beer, spirits or even wine you'll find producers of all kinds on our doorstep. When it comes to food, we've got fish & chips by the bucket load, along with fine dining restaurants and everything in between. You'll find lots of local food for sale in Whitby's delis, and most local eateries promoting something local on their menu. Most restaurants cater well for children, but its always best to check in advance. - Nature
Our woodland lodges are set in acres of wonderful woodland. If you wanted to you could spend your entire trip simply enjoying the tranquility of the park, and we wouldn't blame you! But on our doorstep are opportunities to see some amazing wildlife, as well as some of the most amazing scenery. With plenty of space for the children to enjoy, there's no shortage of adventures to be had right across the North York Moors.
6. Testimonials and Guest Experiences
Here is a selection of reviews from guests who've stayed in a woodland lodge at Ladycross recently:
"Absolutely Wonderful"
"Well-equipped, spacious and such peaceful surroundings, we spotted squirrels, bunnies, alas no deer. The children loved the hot-tub - it made every day perfect. Great trips to Whitby we recommend the park and ride. Staithes beach and the hidden castle at Mulgrave. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. People at reception were so nice and helpful. Lovely welcome package. A hidden Gem."
- Dr A Dorst, Oct 2024
"Outstanding Accommodation"
The kids loved the hot tub and the chickens. We loved the lodge and the woodland setting. Just what we all needed. We were un-disturbed the whole week of our stay. Only 15 minutes drive away from fabulous beaches and even less for evening meals. We will definitely be back.
- Daniel, August 2024
"Wonderful lodge in a tranquil environment."
All equipment you would ever need. Comfortable beds. Great bathrooms. Hot tub enjoyed by us. Witching Post pub down the road is fantastic with great meals at good prices. Whitby and the coast only 5 miles away. And in Yorkshire!! What more could you ask for!!
- Ian, June 2024
7. Practical Information & Booking
Guests are welcome to book our rental lodges online, via their individual agent's websites. Here are the links:
You're welcome to call the office on 01947 895 502 between 9am and 5pm to discuss your requirements. If you have a particular date in mind it's a good idea to try and book as early as possible. Peak times often book up well in advance - so go for it!
If you'd like to email us please do at enquiries@ladycrossplantation.co.uk and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as we're able.
Conclusion
We hope you'll see why we believe a woodland lodge holiday at Ladycross makes the perfect family getaway. From the amazing accommodation, perfectly suited to family life, to the wide array of attractions on our doorstep. There really is nowhere better for the whole family to enjoy.
If you're coming in search of rest and relaxation, you'll enjoy the peace of the park. Make the most of your woodland accommodation and just spend time together enjoying the great outdoors. For the adventurous, bring or hire some bikes and get out on two wheels. Or book a surf lesson at Whitby and take to the waves! Got a history fanatic in the family? Take them to Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle - they're amazing places to visit and you'll definitely learn a thing or two if you join one of their guided tours. For the foodies, enjoy some fish & chips, local beer, delicious locally produced coffee and meals in local pubs and restaurants.
And at the end of every day you can return to the comfort and luxury of your woodland lodge. Curl up on the comfy sofas and watch the telly. Or sit out on the deck, with a hot chocolate, and gaze at the stars.
We've a number of lodges available for hire. But we're also able to offer holiday lodge ownership for those looking to invest. Buying a woodland lodge can be more affordable than you might think - especially with the option to generate revenue from lettings. Find out more by visiting our Lodge Ownership page, or looking at our Lodge Development Plan.
For more details call Kieran and Lisa on 01947 895 502, we'd be glad to talk to you.
